GUARANTEED WELLNESS FACTORS
1) People, your first priority in life.
As the famous saying, Love makes the world go round. Fulfilling Relationships is the #1 reason when we feel the best in our lives. When our emotional needs are met, then all other factors paled in comparison. It's all about making people our first priority in life. 2) Ability to Perform Physical activities.
We don't have to be physical fitness nuts or compete at any high level to be happy. All that most people want is to be able to do the things that they want to do. As we get older, it may be something as simple as remaining independent. If you don't use it, you'll lose it. 3) Positive self-image.
If we view ourselves in a positive light and respect the unique gift that each of us is, then others will as well. After all, God don't make any junk. 4) Goal Accomplishment.
We all need something to work towards no matter how small or inconsequential to someone else. It helps our self-image and provides a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Isn't that what we want to teach our children? 5) Work satisfaction.
Work should provide a feeling of accomplishment and provide a basic joy of doing what we do. Because we spend so many hours at work, if we don not like what we do, it will affect our total being. Unhappiness at work can be brought home and add a negative component to an otherwise good life. 6) Balanced nutrition.We don't have to pick a certain diet or quote fat grams. It's all about moderation and balance. It's about eating meals spaced throughout the day and using a good vitamin to supplement any deficiencies 7) Optimistic State of Mind.
Attitude makes all the difference in how we approach all aspects of life. If we view each experience as something new and a way to grow ourselves (no matter how bad) then our life will be a great deal easier. 8) Experiencing creativity.
Using our creative sides to make something provides a feeling of accomplishment and helps each of us to feel better about ourselves. If we fail to use our creative gifts, we become stagnant. 9) Contact with Nature.
Why do most people spend their hard earned vacation time at places like the beach, mountains or outdoors? We all have the need the commune with nature and to experience the grandeur of the world around us.
10) Time and space alone.
We all need the time and space to mediate and put life in perspective. With the busy lives most people lead, they don't take time to think about where they've been and where they want to be. We all need this time to reflect.
| Naturopathic Newsletter
Monica Jeffers, BSMT, RN
March 2007
5 foods for heart health
Apples are high in pectin, a soluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol.
Oatmeal is rich in soluble fibers and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
Tomatoes have lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health.
Green tea has antioxidants called polyphenols which protect the heart.
Foods with highest total antioxidant capacity per serving
Red beans, blueberries, cranberries, artichokes, blackberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pecans, cherries, plums, potatoes, and walnuts
Working out warning signs
While occasional exercise aches and pains are rarely cause for alarm, certain symptoms could signal something serious and should prompt you to see your doctor:
If you feel chest pain or pressure, it could mean heartburn, muscle strain, or heart disease. If you feel unusually rapid heartbeat, it could mean arrhythmia, anemia, hyperthyroidism, too much caffeine, or dehydration. If you have difficulty breathing, it could mean heart disease or asthma. If you feel like fainting, you may have heart disease, arrhythmia, dehydrated, or low blood sugar. If you have severe headache, you may be dehydrated, have high blood pressure, or may be having a stroke.
5 fat fighters that work
EGCG: an antioxidant in green tea that increases metabolism and kills fat cells.
CLA: conjugated linoleic acid can melt body fat and build muscle.
HCA: hydroxycitric acid is derived from a tropical fruit. Take 1,500 mg before meals.
Chromium: targest loss of fat instead of muscle. Take 200 mcg three times a day.
Restore brain cell function with fish oils
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are vital to brain cell structure and function. The DHA found in fish oil binds to lecithin extract that has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction. It also helps people with learning disabilities.
10 most important blood tests
Annual blood testing is the most important step in preventing life-threatening disease in people over age 40.
1. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), lipid panel is the best place to begin disease prevention. It gives a quick snap shot of your vascular, liver, kidney, white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet status.
2. Fibrinogen level increases in response to tissue inflammation such as in heart disease and atherosclerosis. Increased levels may be associated with risk of heart attacks.
3. Hemoglobin A1C measures blood sugar control over 120 days.
4. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is an anti-agine hormone produced by the adrenal glands and a precursor to the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. DHEA supplements increase immunological function and improve bone mineral density, reduce abdominal fat, protect brain cells and help prevent heart disease.
5. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein manufactured by the prostate gland in men. Elevated levels may suggest an enlarged prostate, inflammation or cancer.
6. Homocysteine is formed in the body during metabolism of the amino acid methionine and when increased may show risk of heart attack, bone fracture, or poor cognitive function.
7. CRP (C-Reactive Protein) is a marker of inflammation and predicts heart disease.
8. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) controls thyroid hormone secretion in the thyroid.
9. Free Testosterone is produced in the testes in men and the ovaries in women and in the adrenal glands of both men and women. This hormone declines with aging.
10. Estradiol is the primary circulating form of estrogen in men and women and is an indicator of hypothalamic and pituitary function. Diminished levels correlate with bone mineral density, a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Natural approaches to cholesterol reduction
Artichoke extract, barley, blond psyllium, fish oil, garlic extract, and oat bran may reduce total cholesterol and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol.
Fight off the flu
Build resistance to flu by taking 2000 mg of Vitamin C per day, using Zinc lozenges and Echinacea to boost your immune system, and garlic extract as an antibiotic/antiviral.
There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is. – Albert Einstein
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